Local

USDA has confirmed that a glyphosate-resistant wheat variety that Monsanto field tested from 1998 to 2005 was present in volunteer wheat on an Oregon farm.

However, Steve Mercer with U.S. Wheat Associates says APHIS has confirmed the biotech material is as safe for food and feed as non-biotech wheat varieties now on the market.

USDA has not authorized any biotech wheat for commercial sale in the U.S. or anywhere in the world. So far Mercer says no export customers have expressed concern about the finding and APHIS says there’s no evidence the wheat has spread beyond the field of discovery.

APHIS is investigating the Roundup Ready wheat to determine how this trait appeared outside of a regulated environment. Mercer says that will help the industry decide the appropriate actions needed.